Cycle training - Print version

Go back to web version

We aim to support the community by offering opportunities for both adults and children to learn to ride.  Child cycle training varies between structured lessons that can be booked, or more informal sessions as part of community events [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycling-events/1].  Family-inclusive events are detailed in our child cycle training [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycle-training/2] pages.

Stay informed of future events by signing up to our newsletter [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCOVENTRY/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKCOVENTRY_300]

 

Cycle Coventry

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Adult cycle training

We offer a range of adult cycle training opportunities, usually free of charge from our base at the Canal Basin [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycle-training/3] in Coventry City Centre. Sessions are held outdoors. The location is easy to access by bus from all parts of Coventry as it is about a 10 minute walk from Pool Meadow Bus Station. Paid-for on-street parking is also available. More information about finding your way to the training location. [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycle-training/3]

Adult Level 1A: Learn to Ride and Adult Level 1B: Cycle Skills are our most popular sessions. You are welcome to book multiple sessions, but we would strongly advise coming to your first session and discussing your progress with our trainers, who would be able to recommend your next steps to help you get the best out of the training.

Descriptions and availability of each session:

  • Learn to ride [#AL1A] – I have little or no cycling experience (Level 1A)
  • Cycle skills [#AL1B] – I can ride but want to learn away from traffic (Level 1B)
  • Introduction to road skills [#AL1C] – by invitation only (Level 1C)
  • On the road [#AL2] – I can ride confidently, but want to learn how to cycle on the road in traffic (Level 2)
  • Advanced road skills [#AL3] – by invitation only (Level 3)

Learn to Ride (Adult Level 1A)

These sessions are aimed at people who cannot ride a bike, or have little or no experience of riding a bike. The sessions are delivered outdoors, in small groups of no more than six people. Training takes place at the Canal Basin in central Coventry.

The Canal Basin [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycle-training/2#location] is an ideal location for learning to ride a bike. A large paved area with no cars is used to deliver the training, and the peace and quiet provide a relaxing environment.

Please bring a roadworthy bike and helmet if you have one. There is the option to loan, free of charge, a bike and helmet. When it is hot, don't forget sunscreen and a hat if you need one, and bring a bottle of water. During the colder months, bring a pair of thin gloves. No open-toed sandals or loose-fitting shoes.

Booking is essential. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your booking. Current sessions are listed below

Cycle Skills (Adult Level 1B)

Cycle skills training is aimed at people who can already ride a bike and would like to develop their confidence in a traffic-free environment. The sessions are delivered outdoors, in small groups of no more than six people. Training takes place at the Canal Basin in central Coventry.

The Canal Basin [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycle-training/2#location] is an ideal location for learning to ride a bike. A large paved area with no cars is used to deliver the training, and the peace and quiet provide a relaxing environment.

Please bring a roadworthy bike and helmet if you have one. There is the option to loan, free of charge, a bike and helmet. When it is hot, don't forget sunscreen and a hat if you need one, and bring a bottle of water. During the colder months, bring a pair of thin gloves. No open-toed sandals or loose-fitting shoes.

Booking is essential. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your booking. Current sessions are listed below

Introduction to Road Skills (Adult Level 1C)

These sessions are open only to people who have already attended at least one Level 1B session.  They are aimed at people who want a gentler introduction to on-road riding than our Level 2 session.

Our instructors will lead a small group of riders (maximum 3) along a mix of traffic-free routes and quiet streets from the Canal Basin to War Memorial Park or University of Warwick, and back again after a refreshment and comfort break. The session aims to introduce you to travelling further and developing confidence and skills on a bike.

To book onto one of the sessions listed below, please email cyclecoventry@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:cyclecoventry@coventry.gov.uk]

On the Road training (Adult Level 2)

This session is aimed at people who are already regular riders and who are confident and competent in their bike handling skills. Our instructors will lead a small group (maximum 3) to introduce you to basic road craft, riding in a variety of on-road environments. The start of the session will include a basic assessment to ensure you have the necessary skills to go out on the road. The session will be a mixture of instructor-led demonstration, and time for you to practice the skills you’ve been shown.

Booking is essential. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your booking. Current sessions are listed below:

  • No sessions are currently available

Advanced Road Skills (Adult Level 3)

This session is open only to people who have already completed Level 2 on-road training and who have their own bike. Our instructors will lead a small group (maximum 3) to introduce you to advanced road craft, riding in a variety of on-road environments. The start of the session will include a basic assessment to ensure you have the necessary skills to go out on the road. The session will be a mixture of instructor-led demonstration, and time for you to practice the skills you’ve been shown.

Stay informed of future events by signing up to our newsletter [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCOVENTRY/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKCOVENTRY_300]

Cycle Coventry

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Adult cycle training - venue information

Coventry Canal Basin

Our adult cycle training takes place at Coventry Canal Basin, an oasis of calm just a few minutes from the bustle of the City Centre.  The meeting point is just beyond the private parking area within the canal basin.

A photograph of the meeting location for cycle training. There is a yellow and red arrow pointing to the area.

Address: Coventry Canal Basin [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/parking-travel-streets/coventry-canal-1], St Nicholas Street, Coventry CV1 4LY
By bus: Routes 20 and 148 stop on Foleshill Road, adjacent to the towpath at the Leicester Row bus stop opposite Halfords, just a short step-free walk from the Canal Basin. Both routes pick up in the City Centre from Trinity Street, and run as far away as Longford, Bedworth and Nuneaton.
By road: For Coventry Canal Basin, leave Coventry Ring Road at Junction 1. Follow Foleshill Road, first left down Leicester Row, up St Nicholas Street. Look for the brown direction signs when leaving the Ring Road.
Nearest parking: On-Street pay & display parking on Leicester Row [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory-record/49442/leicester-row], Draper's Fields [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory-record/49447/drapers-fields] and St. Columba's Close [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory-record/49446/st-columba-s-close].  

Stay informed of future events by signing up to our newsletter [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCOVENTRY/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKCOVENTRY_300]

Child cycle training

Child cycle training is delivered primarily in schools, via the Bikeability programme.  Please enquire with the school directly.  

Child cycle lessons - free programme

Supported by Active Travel Fund [http://www.activetravelengland.gov.uk/funding], Coventry City Council is providing child cycle lessons in the indoor Sports Hall at Meadow Park School in Whitley CV3 4BD.  Sessions are free and start on Friday 10 January.  Sessions are streamed by age rather than ability, but are aimed at beginners or children wanting to improve their skills and confidence, rather than existing experienced child cyclists.  Booking is required.

Child cycle lessons - CV Life chargeable sessions

CV Life are also offering a programme of after-school cycle lessons for children (ages 5-13).  These takes place at Moat House Leisure Centre [https://cvlife.co.uk/moat-house-leisure-and-neighbourhood-centre/] every Tuesday, starting 12 November.  Lessons cost £1 and must be booked.

  • Beginners: 4:00pm-5:00pm, every Tuesday, Moat House Leisure Centre
  • Advanced learners: 5:00pm-6:00pm, every Tuesday, Moat House Leisure Centre

To book: please call the centre on 024 76 841 720
Location: Winston Avenue, Coventry, CV2 1EA

These sessions are provided by CV Life [https://cvlife.co.uk/] and British Cycling [https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/] and are subsidised by Coventry City Council.  CV Life is the council's leisure partner, and British Cycling has a partnership agreement with the council.  Funding comes from central government via the Active Travel Fund [https://www.activetravelengland.gov.uk/funding].

Cycle training in schools

Tips on teaching children to ride

There are some useful tips from cycling organisations on how to teach children to ride yourself.

Stay informed of future events by signing up to our newsletter [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCOVENTRY/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKCOVENTRY_300]

Go back to web version